Ronnie Montrose

R

onald Douglas Montrose (R.I.P.; November 29, 1947 - March 3, 2012; guitars) was an American rock guitarist, who led the bands Montrose (1973-77, 1987) and Gamma (1979-83, 2000). He also performed and recorded session work with Van Morrison (1971-72), Herbie Hancock (1971), Beaver & Krause (1971), Boz Scaggs (1971), Edgar Winter (1972 & 1996), Gary Wright (1975), The Beau Brummels (1975), Dan Hartman (1976), Tony Williams (1978), The Neville Brothers (1987), Marc Bonilla (1991 & 1993) and Sammy Hagar (1997). The first self-named band Montrose album has often been cited as "America's answer to Led Zeppelin", with Ronnie Montrose often referred to as one of the most influential guitarists in American hard rock.

On March 3, 2012, Montrose died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. His death was originally assumed to be the result of his prostate cancer. However, the San Mateo County Coroner's Office released a report that confirmed the guitarist had taken his own life.